Former Melton Mowbray pupils from the class of 1951 enjoy reunion dinner

Memories came flooding back for surviving members of the class of 1951 from Melton Mowbray’s former King Edward Vll Grammar School when they enjoyed a reunion dinner.

Ex-pupils travelled to Friday’s event, at the town’s Best Western Sysonby Knoll Hotel, from as far afield as Harrogate, Epsom Downs and Macclesfield to share classroom tales from 75 years ago.

Pupils from the KE7 1951 cohort who attended the reunion dinner wearing original or replica clothing from those days

placeholder image — Pupils from the KE7 1951 cohort who attended the reunion dinner wearing original or replica clothing from those days

Former students attended with original school clothing from those days and others wore replica uniform items such as dresses and short trousers.

Some who couldn’t attend were also included, with a video call chat with Jean (nee Pearce) and a message received from Jo Stanton (nee Ingrey), who now lives in Australia.

Pupils from King Edward VII's class of 1951 at their reunion event at Sysonby Knoll Hotel, from left, standing: Geoff Oliver, David Bend, Mark Ferrelly, Rosemary Rice (nee Allwood), Roger Hardy, Eric Davies, Walter Pepper, Roy Dalby, John Wright, Ray Smith, Julie Barrow (nee Dobson) and Pip Warne; seated: Mavis Marriott (nee Jones), Alice Cox (nee Felstead), Paulette Bowman (nee Allen), Norma Preston (nee Robertson) and Susan Collins (nee Cliff). Iris Sayer (nee Cope) is missing from the photo

The school, which was on Burton Road, closed in August 2011 due to falling pupil numbers and is now the site of a housing development.

Organiser, Pip Warne, said: “The menu for the lunch was specially designed as a 1950s school dinner selection by the chef at Sysonby Knoll and included favourites of the day such as treacle sponge and custard or semolina.

"A few messages were read out from those who had sent their apologies and good wishes for a successful day.

"It was agreed that reunions should continue to be held next year and for as long as we are able.

"Anyone from that year who would like to join in is invited to get in touch.”

Among the stories share on the day was one from Roger Hardy who recalled his first day in 1951 when he was feeling ‘somewhat overwhelmed by the big school’ after a long journey through the villages en route from his home in Rearsby. He brought with him his school hymn book which had been signed by all fellow pupils back then. Those present signed it again on Friday.

Mark Ferrelly, who lived with his family in a cottage at Sysonby during his school days, talked about the ‘many life long friendships’ forged back then – he brought with him lot of old photos and copies of the book he wrote about school days at KE7.

Geoff Oliver, who attended the reunion wearing replica short trousers, socks, shirt, tie and a satchel, recalled the ‘trepidation of transferring from a tiny village school at Burrough on the Hill’.

His village school was so small that when he attended KE7 for his interview he had to be driven by his headteacher, who was the school’s only teacher which meant all the other pupils got the day off, making Geoff very popular with them all the next day.

A humorous tale came from John Wright, who recalled a woodworking lesson on joint-making, in which star pupil Eric Davies was given an A+ for his work.

He promptly handed his work to a classmate called Ian who took it up to the teacher to be marked and he only received a D, despite it being the same piece.

Another attendee, Ray Smith, wore the cap presented to him for taking eight wickets for seven runs in a school cricket match.

The next reunion is already being planned – email Pip Warne on [email protected] or call him on 07974 160922 if you were in the 1951 cohort and you would like to attend.